The pandemic forced the majority of people into their homes whether they liked it or not. This included the endless amount of students trying to achieve an education at all levels.
Since March of 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has forced schools and institutions to replace in-person teaching with remote means of learning. These circumstances are, for those pushing for a more technological future, the ideal environment for a complete transformation of what we have understood as an education.
This has resulted in more personalized learning pathways for students, allowing them to fully choose their path and their methods of learning. A lot of students have had the opportunity to make their own study schedule and take breaks when they need to. This unstructured method has worked for some, but not all.
Some students have said that the lack of structure has caused students to lose motivation in their studies. Normally, their days would be separated into periods with breaks for recess and lunch. This can be fatiguing for students who are forced to spend long periods of time in front of their devices. Not only this, students may procrastinate more, knowing they can work on their assignments at any time. (SOURCE)
In a study done in October of this year, students who have spent the majority or all of the pandemic learning from home felt like they mattered less to their educators and peers when compared to students who were able to learn in person. (SOURCE)
This means that the emotional and social experiences of students took a toll significantly along with their grades.
The initial impact of the transition to remote learning resulted in about three times as many students having failing marks across all grade levels, including secondary. (SOURCE)
Though the transition was rough, some educators still believe students will not be able to make up grades that have been lost during their time learning remotely. (SOURCE)
Though online learning has transitioned back to in-person for many younger students, University students have faced many difficulties along the way as well.
Many students in post-secondary studies faced problems with accesibility, such as being able to afford devices and internet connections that are usually available on campus. With buildings on campus being closed for the majority of the pandemic, students were not able to use services they originally depended on to complete their degrees. (SOURCE)
The delivery of courses for post-secondary students at Concordia University have yet to be confirmed, and the possibility of having to remain in the world or remote learning is still at large.
Overall, remote learning has negatively affected students both psychologically as well as academically by removing the engaging aspects of the learning environment. Not being able to interact with peers or meet with educators one-on-one may have permanently affected the performance and futures of many students.
